Jeremiah Weed Southern Style Sweet Tea Vodka Salutes Military Roots during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As Americans across the country prepare to remember the American heroes who serve our country with a variety of responsible Memorial Day cookouts and celebrations, race fans will look to one of their favorite drivers to help pay tribute. During the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS), Matt Kenseth will have Jeremiah Weed Southern Style Sweet Tea vodka on the hood of his No. 17 Ford Fusion in an effort to honor fighter pilots everywhere.

"During the upcoming holiday weekend, it's important to recognize all the individuals that serve for our country every day," said Mr. Jeremiah Weed, legendary patron father of Jeremiah Weed Blended Bourbon Whiskey. "The history of Jeremiah Weed stems from its popularity among fighter pilots, which legend has it, began in the 1970s. It is important that this weekend we to honor all those who make us proud, as well as continue to remind adult consumers who enjoy Jeremiah Weed, to do so responsibly."

As the legend is told, Jeremiah Weed became the drink of choice for men and women fighter pilots after a Fighter Jet went down without injury outside of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. When the group involved in the incident later returned to the site, they toasted with Jeremiah Weed. Since, Air Force pilots have toasted with Jeremiah Weed Bourbon upon finishing their flights.

Kenseth will be driving with a little more incentive than the other 42 drivers to win this weekend. If the 2003 Cup Champion can wheel the No. 17 car to Victory Lane, Jeremiah Weed will make a $100,000 donation to a military-themed charity. Regardless of how the Jeremiah Weed car finishes, a total of $10,000 will be donated.

"We go to the track with the mindset to win every weekend, and it will mean that little bit more if we can take home the Trophy and give back - all at the same time," said Kenseth. "We look forward to saluting fighter pilots throughout the race."

It was while reading through myriad of letters to Jeremiah Weed from fighter pilots that Mr. Weed came to the realization it was time to utilize the upcoming race sponsorship to give back to all those pilots who have faithfully supported the brand throughout the years.

"Jeremiah Weed is where it is today because of the support from America's best pilots," said Weed. "We look forward to providing fighter pilots and their friends even more of a reason to toast responsibly with Jeremiah Weed drinks, should the No. 17 car finish in Victory Lane."

This marks the second year Jeremiah Weed Southern Style Sweet Tea Vodka will don the hood of a Roush Fenway Ford Fusion for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jeremiah Weed first took to the scene during the NASCAR Sprint Cup event at CMS in October 2009. In addition to the Coca-Cola 600, Jeremiah Weed also will serve as primary sponsor of the No. 17 Ford Fusion during the Sprint Cup event at Daytona International Speedway on July 3, 2010.

Additional updates from Mr. Weed can be found on the Jeremiah Weed website (www.jeremiahweed.com).  Or on facebook www.facebook.com/jeremiahweed

About Jeremiah Weed

Jeremiah Weed Blended Bourbon Whiskey is a 90 proof bourbon whiskey brought to the public by Mr. Jeremiah Weed, the original Southern gentleman. Born of a long Southern and Kentucky distilling tradition, Jeremiah Weed utilizes only the highest quality ingredients for a taste we think you'll find second to none. You can learn more about Jeremiah Weed Blended Bourbon Whiskey, Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea, Jeremiah Weed Cherry Mash Flavored Blended Bourbon Whiskey, Jeremiah Weed Country Peach Sweet Tea, Jeremiah Weed Bourbon Liqueur and "The Legend" Mr. Jeremiah Weed himself at www.jeremiahweed.com or www.facebook.com/jeremiahweed .  Mr. Weed reminds you to please drink responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) (NYSE: DEO) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Richmond International Raceway

Richmond International Raceway, known as America's Premier Short Track, offers great night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series under the lights on a 3/4-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout traditionally produces exciting side-by-side racing, yet drivers reach high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what "Racing Perfection" truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating eight motorsports teams.  Four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; and four in the Nationwide Series with Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Colin Braun, Brian Ickler, and Paul Menard.  For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com.  Become a fan of Roush Fenway Racing on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway.  And for sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

SOURCE Diageo